Being outdoors helps children develop the curiosity that is the essence of science later in life. This time in nature helps students cultivate their independence, imagination, and sense of wonder, while helping them feel less stressed, and more confident in themselves. That’s why our farming and gardening program, along with outdoor education and play, are core components of Summerfield's curriculum.  For a little peek into our students' experience outdoors, read Miss Catherine's Messenger article, Our Rosebud Mornings in the Natural World and Farmer Dan's November Melodies [...]

As artificial intelligence creates economic disruption, what skills will students need to be successful in the future? Being able to see the bigger picture and do complex systems thinking. Emotional intelligence, including empathy and intuition. The ability to dream up creative new ideas. The ability to build, test, and refine your ideas. And most importantly, the ability to learn new things and adapt to new situations. These are the skills that Waldorf graduates are known for and that we help them develop through our joyful, holistic, [...]

Children learn in many different ways. That’s why it is so important for teachers to bring concepts through multiple senses. At Summerfield, we teach science through stories as well as outdoors in nature and in the lab. We jump rope, stomp, build, and even bake and eat our math. We teach literature through theatre. We sing our history and languages. We do all this because it helps us reach more children, more deeply, in a way that they love and remember. Jean Piaget, the revolutionary Swiss [...]